We are Wimmera book launches at rural schools

A book celebrating the voices of children living in the Wimmera region has been launched to coincide with National Children’s Week.

Titled We Are Wimmera, the book features pictures and words that reflect the creativity and imagination of local children.

“We Are Wimmera celebrates where we live and focuses on the strengths and successes of our region from the view of local children,” Uniting Wimmera Project Worker, Scott Robinson said.

“Over the past year we have been working with children from three to 12 years of age from various locations throughout the Wimmera, collecting artwork that represents their view of life in the Wimmera and what makes them smile.

“What the children came up with was amazing. We had too many to fit them all in the book.

“The artworks were then professionally photographed to capture their full essence, and now make up the pages of We Are Wimmera.”

The book was launched in schools in Kaniva, Horsham, Stawell, Rupanyup and Dimboola, and 100 books were presented to the Wimmera Regional Library for the public to access.

“The book forms part of our focus to bring the voices of the children and families we support into our services,” Mr Robinson said.

“Books created by children and for children strengthen their sense of culture and language as well as their literacy skills.

“We hope that We Are Wimmera will create a sense of self belonging for everyone who reads it.”